Apigenin, a substance found in parsley, thyme, chamomile and red pepper, improves neuron formation and strengthens the connections between brain cells, may have potential to treat diseases like schizophrenia, depression, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s ; new lab research demonstrates.

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Plant compound found in spices, herbs increases brain connections

Flavonoid apigenin has potential to treat diseases like schizophrenia, depression, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

Date:

December 10, 2015

Source:

D’Or Institute for Research and Education

Summary:

Apigenin, a substance found in parsley, thyme, chamomile and red pepper, improves neuron formation and strengthens the connections between brain cells, new lab research demonstrates.

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The neurons treated with apigenin (right) show more formation of synapses (red) than the neurons that were not treated.

Credit: Rehen et al.

Brazilian researchers from D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) and Federal University of Bahia (UFBA) have demonstrated in laboratory that apigenin, a substance found in parsley, thyme, chamomile and red pepper, improves neuron formation and strengthens the connections between brain cells.

Previous experiments with animals had already shown that substances from the same chemical group as the apigenin, known as flavonoids, positively affect memory and learning. Many studies highlight the potential of flavonoids to preserve and enhance brain function. While the effectiveness of flavonoids for brain health is not an entirely new concept, this research is the first to show the positive effects of apigegin directly on human cells and the first to unraveling its mechanism.

The scientists observed that just by applying apigenin to human stem cells in a dish they become neurons after 25 days — an effect they would not see without the substance. Moreover, the neurons that were formed made stronger and sophisticated connections among themselves after being treated with this natural compound.

“Strong connections between neurons are crucial for good brain function, memory consolidation and learning,” says neuroscientist from IDOR and UFRJ Stevens Rehen, leader author of the paper published in Advances in Regenerative Biology.

The research team conducted by Rehen demonstrated that apigenin works by binding to estrogen receptors, which affect the development, maturation, function, and plasticity of the nervous system. This group of hormones is known to delay the onset of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. However, the use of estrogen-based therapies is limited by the increased risk of estrogen-dependent tumors and cardiovascular problems.

Researchers believe apigenin can be used as an alternative approach on future treatments for neurodegenerative diseases as well as in neuronal differentiation strategies in laboratory.

“We show a new path for new studies with this substance,” points out Rehen. “Moreover, flavonoids are present at high amounts in some foods and we can speculate that a diet rich in flavonoids may influence the formation of neurons and the way they communicate within the brain.”

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Story Source:

The above post is reprinted from materials provided by D’Or Institute for Research and Education. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.

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Journal Reference:

1. Cleide S. Souza, Bruna S. Paulsen, Sylvie Devalle, Silvia Lima Costa, Helena L. Borges, Stevens K. Rehen. Commitment of human pluripotent stem cells to a neural lineage is induced by the pro-estrogenic flavonoid apigenin. Advances in Regenerative Biology, 2015; 2 (0) DOI: 10.3402/arb.v2.29244

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D’Or Institute for Research and Education. “Plant compound found in spices, herbs increases brain connections: Flavonoid apigenin has potential to treat diseases like schizophrenia, depression, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 10 December 2015. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/12/151210144912.htm>.

14 Reasons To Have A Cup Of Chamomile Tea Right Now

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Natural Living Ideas

Oh, the sound of rain on a tin roof, or the rustling of leaves on a crisp fall afternoon. Both of these things may prompt you to want to sit and relax with a warm cup of tea.

Sipping tea is not a new art and countless cultures have been doing so for centuries. The history of tea spans back to its birthplace, China. An old legend states that an Emperor, Shen Nung, an avid herbalist was sitting under a tree while his servant boiled some drinking water.

When the leaves from the tree blew into the water, the Emperor decided to try the mixture and was pleasantly surprised by the taste. The tree, Camellia sinensis is what we now call tea.

What is chamomile tea?

Unlike green or black tea, chamomile tea actually comes, not from a tree but from a daisy-like plant. Plants in this family produce tea that is most commonly known for its relaxing, sleep-inducing properties. A flavonoid, chrysin, found in the plant is partially responsible for its reputation as a sleep aid.

This herbal tea has a fruit-like flavor similar to apple and besides being delicious, has a number of valuable therapeutic properties. It has been found to contain 28 terpenoids and 36 flavonoid compounds including the bioactive components – coumarins,  flavonoids, terpenoids and mucilage. Together, these properties give this delicate little flower its potent healing touch.

The dry chamomile flower is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, antispasmodic, anti-ulcer and astringent healing properties.

Here are just a few of the ways that a warm cup of chamomile tea can improve your health and wellbeing.

 

Read More Here